ALTON, VA (Saturday, August 26, 2023) – Despite high temperatures and brutal humidity at VIRginia International Raceway today, Team TGM came away with a top-ten finish in the latest round of the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge.
Ted Giovanis and Hugh Plumb started the race aboard the No.64 and No.46 Aston Martin Racing Vantage GT4s – Plumb running inside the top ten in the opening portion of the race. The team elected to pit both cars under yellow after 40 minutes, with Owen Trinkler and Matt Plumb taking over.
Unfortunate luck on the timing of yellow flag periods, heavy tire wear in the Virginia heat, and Owen Trinkler earning a contentious penalty made for a challenging day.
Plumb eventually crossed the line in 10th place with Giovanis, and Trinkler forced a lap down by the penalty in 22nd.
“We ran strong and consistently after Ted’s (Giovanis) stint. However, Owen was assessed a drive-thru pit lane penalty for contact, which truly seemed to be a racing incident,” said No 64 strategist John Terry.
“Traditionally, IMSA’s judgment is fair. However, even the broadcast team thought this one was extreme and inconsistent with other incidents throughout the race.
“Owen got back on the lead lap at one stage; however, the cautions made it almost impossible to make up places on track.”
Next up, the series will be at the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway, September 15-17.
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Ted Giovanis
I’m disappointed with the series’ calls for today’s race. Owen was the fastest Aston Martin on track, and I think we could have gotten a good result. Additionally, there are just so many caution periods. We will regroup for Indy, where we did some testing earlier this month. Like every track, Indy has its challenges, but overall I like the track.”
Owen Trinkler
“I was surprised when I was told there was a penalty as I thought I clearly had the advantage going into the corner. However, this is part of racing. Objective calls are easy, but when it comes to subjective calls, those are much tougher. I’m glad we were.”
Hugh Plumb
“It was a tough day, no other way to describe it. We were lacking speed at this track. The cautions were against us for strategizing. Everyone had to deal with the weather, but some were luckier with pitting strategy. Top ten was the best we could do today, but it’s more valuable points.”
Matt Plumb
“We had one longer-than-expected pit stop. It was one of those unfortunate experiences. For us, it’s about championship points, and the leader on the last lap gambled and ran out of fuel. We’re not interested in doing that. It’s not that we want to be overly cautious, but we do want to be smart.”
Ted Giovanis the author
FOCUS FORWARD: Life lessons from racing
Life comes at you fast when you’re traveling 180 miles per hour. For Ted Giovanis, it’s also where you can learn the most valuable lessons. Since becoming a race car driver three decades ago at age forty-six—a ride that is still in overdrive—Giovanis has discovered how the tools of racing and the teamwork within it are applicable to life and business. In forty-eight motivating and, at times, exhilarating chapters, he shares his experience and knowledge.
